The life of a student-athlete is often perceived as chaotic because of all the pressure from both school and sports. However, Valentino Lukis can do it all. Lukis is passionate about many things, ranging from medicine to helping the student body at Patriot High School.
He has been playing soccer as a left back for six to seven years and demonstrates impressive skills. Lukis has always had a passion for soccer and has been a member of the Patriot boys’ soccer team all three years of high school, including one year on the varsity team. When asked about his impact on the team, Max Anderson (’25), Lukis’s teammate, said, “Valentino introduces a supportive environment for everyone on the team and pushes us to improve.”
In addition to soccer, Lukis is also the treasurer of the Class of 2025. As treasurer, he is in charge of managing the financial aspects of the student government. While this is his first year serving in a student council position, he already has many plans to help make the final year for the Class of 2025 both amazing and unforgettable. He plans to collaborate with other student council members to brainstorm creative ideas for activities, such as more school spirit days and a field day near the end of the school year.
Not only is he the treasurer of the Class of 2025, but Lukis is also an active member of clubs and has around 80 volunteering hours. He attends the Medical Club and FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America).
Outside of school, he volunteers at the UVA (University of Virginia) Medical Center. In the hospital, his current department is guest services, where he communicates with patients and guides them to where they need to be. Previously, he was responsible for preparing and cleaning disinfected rooms. “I volunteer at the hospital every Tuesday and Wednesday, so those are my busy days,” Lukis said. He has been volunteering at this hospital since February.
Lukis’s career goal is to become a travel nurse. “I’ve always wanted to travel the world and explore new places, and becoming a nurse has always been one of the jobs I wanted to take on because I want to change people’s lives,” Lukis mentioned. His passion for healthcare comes from a deep desire to help others.
To achieve his goal of becoming a travel nurse, he is currently enrolled in a nursing program, which also helps improve his chances of attending his dream school, the University of Virginia. In the nursing program, he is called the “charge nurse,” meaning he is the head of his group because of his outstanding performance. “I think Valentino is an excellent student who is always engaged and willing to lend a helping hand,” mentioned Mackenzie Dyson (’25), a classmate in the nursing program.
Balancing these commitments is no easy task, as Lukis’s schedule is fully packed between maintaining his grades, attending the nursing program, playing soccer, attending clubs, and serving as the treasurer of the Class of 2025. “I have about an hour of free time, which I usually spend with my family since I don’t get to see them often with my busy schedule,” Lukis remarked.
Despite this hectic routine, Lukis’s hard work in soccer, academics, and community service doesn’t go unnoticed. Valentino Lukis stands as a role model for student-athletes and proves that you really can do it all
10 quick Q’s
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere around Europe.
2. Favorite subject in school and why?
Science.
3. Favorite movie or TV show?
The 100
4. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jay Z
5. Favorite color?
Blue.
6. Favorite music artist?
Tyler The Creator.
7. Most memorable moment from high school so far?
When my team beat Unity High School on our senior night, last spring.
8. Best piece of advice you’ve received?
Manifest the delusion until it’s real.
9. What’s your go-to study method?
Rewrite all the notes down until I memorize everything.
10. What’s your favorite season?
Winter.
